Category: International Students (24)

International students demonstrating that they meet the academic requirements of the university must also prove English proficiency before beginning an academic degree program. Proficiency in English may be proved either by submitting a minimum score or better from one of the recognized English proficiency tests below or with a certificate of completion of level 112 of the ELS intensive program.

2 years of post-secondary study at an accredited college or university in the United States, Canada, or in a country where the primary language of instruction is English as determined by HPU’s “Country Exemptions” listed below.

60% or better in English on CIE or National Board (CBSE, ISC, State Board) exams, grade of 4 or better in IB English A1 or A2, HL or S, grade of “C” or better on the A-level (GCSE) or O-Level Exam (GSE). *

Note: Students applying for short-term study programs at HPU are required to submit written proof of their English proficiency. Please check the application requirements of the program you are applying for.

Admission Requirements Application Process

HPU has a rolling admission process which means there are no set deadlines, correspondence, it is strongly recommended that applications be submitted early.
On this page you will find information about International Admission Requirements for:

Undergraduate Student

Transfer Student

Study Abroad Student

Exchange Student

Returning Student

Graduate Student

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Below you will find detailed admission requirements for first-time freshmen, students who just finished high school.

Accepted Grade Point Average (GPA)

Undergraduate Admission Requirem First-time freshmen are expected to have the American equivalent of 2.5 grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale (approximately 65%) or above in their secondary (senior or high school) education.

Proof of English Proficiency

International students that meet the academic requirements of the University must prove their English proficiency before beginning an academic degree program.
Please click on the link to find out what English proficiency tests are recognized by HPU.

Important! If the applicant has not met the minimum language requirements for admissions, they will need to enroll in theELS Language Center program. Completion of level 112 will be necessary for full enrollment at HPU.

Attention AP IB Students!

Students who have taken Advanced Placement Examinations (AP) of the College Board or the International Baccalaureate(IB) Program will be accepted with above average scores (AP grades higher than 3 /or credit from HPU. Students graduating with the Academic Transcripts.

Official transcripts or international equivalent records (such as HKCEE, SPM, SMA, Abitur, “O” “A” levels, etc) may be submitted electronically or by mail.

Please submit a $50.00 non-refundable application fee for a complete list of accepted payment options you may click on the link.

Financial Proof

Official copy of a bank statement showing that you (or your sponsor) have an account which holds sufficient funds to cover the total estimated costs may be submitted electronically or by mail.
You must also submit the Statement of Financial Sponsorship, which is part of the undergraduate application form. If you apply online, please fill out this form separately.

Additional Documents

International students who want to study in the USA are required to have health insurance coverage. Although not required for your admission, health insurance is m immunization requirements

Transfer Student Admission Requirements

International transfer students are those who come to HPU from other regionally accredited colleges or universities. To be considered for admission to HPU, transfer students need to have at least 24 credits/semester hours of college level, academic coursework from an accredited institution.

Applicants who have attended any post-secondary institution (college, university, technical institute, etc.) will be evaluated based upon this work in combination with their performance in secondary school. Transfer students should submit their transcripts along with the application for admission. Based upon these transcripts, a decision will be made about acceptance also about exemption from course work at HPU. Transfer students should also check with the institution they are attending or have attended to see if there is already an articulation agreement with HPU (formal transfer agreement) in place.

Academic Transcripts

To be able to evaluate your coursework or degree from your country, please submit your complete application which includes an official transcripts in your native language as well as an official translated English version. You may submit these documents electronically or by mail.

Course Descriptions

If you are transferring from a non-U.S. university or college, it is required that you provide an official description of each course in English. Credits will be awarded based on a formal evaluation.

Have Questions?

If you have any questions about your credit evaluation, please contact our international undergraduate evaluator Jeffrey Ho at course descriptions in English.

Study Abroad Admission Requirements

Study Abroad students are those who want to spend one or two semesters in an international environment. Study Abroad applicants must have at least a high school diploma or its equivalent or have started a college degree with an accepted grade point average (GPA).

Accepted Grade Point Average (GPA)

International applicants are expected to have the American equivalent of a 2.5 grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale (approximately 65%) or above in their secondary (senior or high school) education.

Proof of English Proficiency

TOEFL or equivalent test is required for this program! Please click on the link to find out what English Proficiency Tests are recognized by HPU.

Note: If the applicant has not met the minimum language requirements for admissions, they will need to enroll in the ELSprogram. Once a student reaches level 110 or above, they may begin taking HPU courses concurrently. Completion of level 112 will be necessary for full enrollment at HPU.

Please mail an original or certified copy of a bank statement showing that you (or your sponsor) have an account which holds sufficient funds to cover the total estimated costs. Please see our Statement of Financial Sponsorship Form for the total estimated costs.

Academic Transcripts

Official transcripts or international equivalent (such as HKCEE, SPM, SMA, Abitur, “O” “A” level results, etc) may be submitted electronically or by mail.

Submit an original or certified copy of a bank statement showing that you (or your sponsor) have an account which holds sufficient funds to cover the estimated costs for housing living expenses.

Include a copy of your passport photo page.

Returning Student Admission Requirements

Students who have been enrolled at HPU, but have left the United States for 5 months or longer, must request a new I-20 before returning to school.

Applying for a new I-20

In order to receive a new I-20, you will need to resubmit a new Statement of Financial Support Form ( I-20 total for the academic year: Please also note that the original bank document(s) should be no more than six months old.

Be sure to indicate your full legal name as shown on your passport, semester. If you have any updated or new transcripts you may include them as well. Include a copy of your passport.

Honolulu, Hawaii: The ultimate happy place

“There really is no majority group,” says Bill Haning, MD, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Hawaii. “That leads to a sense of belonging

Of course, it’s healthy, too, with low BMIs

The other reason residents here are so happy? It’s pretty close to heaven on earth, with rainbows, waterfalls,

“I literally pinch myself on my drive to work every day,” says Nancy Sidun, PsyD, president-elect of the Hawaii Psychological Association. Her fellow Honoluluans appear to feel the same. “People really cherish that beauty. Whether you walk on the beach at 5 am or 8 pm, there is always someone swimming. Five months out of the year, you can see whales spouting.”

Cultural Destinations

First, let’s start with the cultural destinations. There are lots of great destinations that frequent by tourists State of Hawaii Tourism web site. If you are interested in exploring the top cultural destinations, there are many touring companies that offer pick up from Waikiki for free with ticket purchases, or a small transportation fee.

Getting around

Hawaii’s public transit, TheBus, is a great way to travel around town. As a student you are/or will become familiar with the bus system. The easiest way to know available bus routes to various locations is to go to the website, Social activities

Hawaii is known for its year round warm tropical weather. Why not take advantage social muscles, or simply get active.

Bike– Besides commuting around town with your cruiser, did you know that Oahu has a growing bike community hidden in plain sight? They race around the isl group rides as a start!

Hike– There are too many trails on Oahu that it’s impossible to list them all. You can also check out the get great safety tips. Remember, always hike with a partner!

Ultimate Frisbee– make new friends at the same time.

Camping– There are plenty of public County of Honolulu. You can choose from reserving a lot on the camp ground for tents, to renting a cabin with minimal amenities to fully equipped facilities for a small fee. It’s a great way to get away from the city without traveling far.

Shop Local. Eat Local.

Prior to leaving your country, we would like to provide you with some valuable information to ensure a smooth transition to your studies at HAWAII. Please carefully read through the information given, so that you won’t run into any major problems once you arrive.

You will need to provide verification of the SEVIS fee payment at least three business days prior to your scheduled visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate. For more information on how to apply for your student visa please click here.

2. Pay Tuition-Deposit

Please pay matory college tuition deposit, which will be applied towards your tuition. Please email us if you have any question. Each university is different. Click here to contact us.

3. Book Your Flight

Please keep in mind that visa regulations allow you to enter the USA up to 30 days before the first day of classes (the reporting date is shown on your I-20). Important! Please make sure to make your travel arranagements to arrive to Honolulu no later than the date in your I-20.

4. Arrange Airport Pickup

At H.I.S., we can pick you up at the airport! You could take a taxi or something, but is much better to arrive when someone is waiting for you. We will take you to some famous spots in the isl so you start your adventure right away! Please fill up the form requesting a pick up.

Health plans must have a non-reimbursement policy. This means that all medical bills must be paid DIRECTLY by the insurance company to the medical provider;

Minimum $100,000 US Dollar coverage;

Medical benefits of at least $50,000 per accident or illness;

A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness;

At least 75% coverage for each accident or illness;

Repatriation of remains in the amount of $7,500;

Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her country in the amount of $10,000.

Plans that are NOT accepted include:

Life insurance policies;

Travel insurance plans;

Accident or hospitalization only plans;

Plans that reimburse the student rather than the medical provider.

Additional Medical Requirements

Students are required to submit written proof of the following medical information:

1. Tuberculosis (TB)

International Students are required to take a TB test after their arrival in Hawaii. TB certification issued outside of the U.S. cannot be accepted by the Universities. We can provide arriving students with information on how where to get tested at no charge.

2. Measles (Rubeola) or MMR Clearance

Students must have received two doses of measles or MMR shots in their own country (written proof – such as an official vaccination record – is required). Alternatively, students may receive their measles shots upon arrival at HPU.

International students studying in the U.S. (even if you only study for a short time) are required to obtain a student visa. Below you will find information that will help you underst how to apply for a visa.

F-1 Visa

The F-1 visa is a non-immigrant, full-time, student visa that allows you to pursue education in the United States.

When the university admits a student, it sends the student a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student called the I-20. This form provides information that includes your field of study (major), the length of your study, the date you must report to the university. The form I-20 allows a student to apply for an F-1 student visa.

How do I obtain an F-1 student visa?

Receive the I-20 form from Hawai’i Pacific University.

Schedule your visa appointment with the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in your country.

Submit SEVIS fee payment in time to allow Department of Homel Security to process payment at least 3 days prior to visa interview.

If you paid online, please print SEVIS fee payment receipt take it to your visa interview.

Go to your visa interview to request an F-1 visa (the visa may not be issued right away; many embassies mail the visa to the student a few weeks after the interview).

Pay visa fees (subject to change)Please note that the I-20 does not guarantee receipt of an F-1 visa. The local Consular official makes the final decision on whether or not to issue a student visa.Attention: Canadian Students!
Entering the US from Canada, students are not required to apply at a U.S. embassy for a student visa, however, they are required to pay the SEVIS fee. Please click here for information about SEVIS fees.
Students must present their I-20 passport to U.S. immigration officer at the point of entry for the F-1 student status stamp.

J-1 Visa

A J-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa issued by the United States to exchange visitors who participate in programs that promote cultural exchange. Applicants must meet eligibility criteria be sponsored either by a private sector or government program.

The university issues the DS-2019 for the J-1 Exchange Visitor Status, to apply for the J-1 student visa.

How do I obtain a J-1 student visa?

Receive the DS-2019 form from Hawai’i Pacific University.

Schedule your visa appointment with the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in your country.

Submit SEVIS fee payment in time to allow Department of Homel Security to process payment at least 3 days prior to visa interview.Students from Canada, please click here for information about SEVIS fees.

be enrolled as a full-time student while you are in the U.S. (undergraduate- 12 credits, graduate- 9 credits)

follow the required procedures before requesting permission to work off-campus.

request assistance from your International Student Advisor if you wish to transfer from one university to another.

upon arrival, schedule an appointment with your International Student Adviser, by calling 808-356-5299. Please bring your passport, form DS-2019, I-94 card, proof of health insurance to the appointment. Provide adviser with your address in the U.S.

register for classes at the university which issued the DS-2019

be enrolled as a full-time student while you are in the U.S. (undergraduate- 12 credits, graduate- 9 credits)

for work authorization transfer from one school to another, contact the International Student Services.

More information on student visa.

When can I enter the U.S.A.?

Visa regulations allow you to enter the United States up to 30 days before the first day of classes (the reporting date shown on your I-20). If you attempt to enter the U.S. earlier, you will be denied entry at the immigration port of entry in to U.S., in most cases the airport. Please plan your flight itinerary with this important policy in mind.

What happens if I cannot arrive by the reporting date?

You must request a new I-20 from your university. Many universities will admit you for the next available session, but some universities may have restrictions on readmission.

What will happen when I enter the U.S.A.?

An airline flight attendant will ask you to complete the I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) in the airplane before you l a copy of your valid I-20 or DS-2019 with your passport at all times.

Security on what a student or exchange visitor can expect upon arrival:

What are my obligations as a student on an F-1 visa?

Students on an F-1 visa must follow the regulations of the U.S. Department of Homel Security. According to these regulations, you must:

What are my obligations as a student on a J-1 visa?

Students on a J-1 visa must follow the regulations of the U.S. Department of Homel Security. According to these regulations, you must:

How long can I stay in the United States?

The I-20 indicates the length of time you can stay to finish your course of studies. You may stay 60 days after the last day of class.
(J-1 DS 2019 may stay 30 days).

If I cannot complete my studies in the required time, may I stay longer?

If you need a longer time to complete your studies, International Student Advisor at the International Center will help you apply for an extension. If you have completed your studies, you are not allowed to continue to stay in the U.S. with that I-20, even if it has not expired.

If my visa expires, how do I renew it?

The visa is an entry document only. The visa needs to be valid only at the time you enter the U.S. It does not need to be renewed if you stay in the U.S. However, you may wish to visit Canada, Mexico, or your home country during vacation periods. If your visa has expired, ask your International Student Advisor to provide complete information about how to renew your visa. You may then apply for a new visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country you are visiting.